Notes and Editorial Reviews

Sir Simon also took some time for Beethoven this year, and collaborated with Alfred Brendel to produce a fine set of the piano concertos. It may seem eccentric to focus on Rattle's participation, since the soloist is usually the star. But Brendel and Rattle have been colleagues for 15 years, and these interpretations are very much a partnership. Since this is Brendel's fourth go-round with the five, the choice of conductor was hardly negligible: Brendel has said that Rattle is the most "stunningly gifted" conductor around. The Vienna Philharmonic sounds lean but powerful, and the performances have been vividly captured in the studio.

-- Christopher Abbott, Fanfare [11-12/1999], from a "Want List" featuringRead more all five concertosRead less